HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF SAINTS MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS
THEME: These Heavenly Beings!
BY: Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese)
HOMILY FOR THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29 2022
Dan.7:9-10,13-14; John 1:47-51
Today we celebrate three great Archangels; Michael, who is mentioned in the book of Revelations as leader of the heavenly host, and patron saint of soldiers, and whose name means ‘who is like God’; Gabriel, whose name means ‘Strength of God’, who we see in the Book of Daniel explaining Daniel’s visions and was also the bearer of the news of Jesus’s birth to Mary; and Raphael, whose name means ‘God’s remedy’ and who destroys the demon Asmodeus and heals Tobit of his blindness in the book of Tobit. Today’s readings therefore cast our minds on heavenly realities, that we may not forget that one day, we shall stand before the throne of the Ancient of Days.
St Gregory the great, in today’s office of readings, reminds us that the word ‘angel’ denotes a function rather than a nature, since angels have always been spirits. He says they can only be called angels when they deliver some message…and those who proclaim messages of supreme importance are called Archangels. Friends, we pray that through Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, we may be be defended from all evil attacks, we may be strengthened in tribulations, and we may be healed of all infirmities. Let us aspire to come to that place where we shall see thousands upon thousands of angels ascending and descending upon the son of man. When the books are opened, may we not be found wanting, Amen.
Good morning dear. God bless your weekend ahead. Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, pray for us.